Construction workers in Toronto command the highest union wages in Canada at $63.92 per hour, significantly outpacing workers in other major cities, according to new data from Statistics Canada.
The latest figures for May 2025 show Toronto labourers earning nearly $10 more per hour than their counterparts in most other Canadian cities, highlighting the stark regional differences in construction compensation across the country.
Wide wage gaps across major centres
British Columbia cities follow Toronto’s lead, with labourers in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna all earning $56.16 per hour. Alberta’s major centres of Calgary and Edmonton both pay $54.99 per hour for similar work.
At the lower end, Winnipeg construction labourers earn $38.79 per hour, representing a $25.13 gap compared to Toronto workers. Maritime provinces show similar patterns, with Halifax paying $45.18 per hour and both Saint John and Moncton in New Brunswick at $44.59 per hour.
Quebec cities present a mixed picture, with Montreal and Saguenay both at $52.90 per hour, while Quebec City matches that rate. Ottawa-Gatineau workers on the Ontario side earn $54.42 per hour.
Steady wage growth continues
The construction wage index data reveals consistent growth across all trades through early 2025. The composite index reached 125.2 in May 2025, up from 124.5 in April, continuing a steady upward trend from the January baseline of 122.8.
Plumbers lead all trades with wages indexed at 128.7 in May, followed by truck drivers at 128.1 and heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics at 127.4. These specialized trades have maintained their premium positioning throughout the year.
Regional weight shows industry concentration
Toronto represents the largest share of Canada’s construction union activity at 22.21 per cent, followed by Montreal at 13.63 per cent and Vancouver at 12.06 per cent. Edmonton accounts for 9.07 per cent of the national total, while Calgary represents 6.96 per cent.
The data reflects union rates including selected pay supplements and covers major metropolitan areas across all provinces. Statistics Canada compiles this information monthly to track wage trends in the construction sector.
Construction companies and contractors use these benchmarks for project budgeting and labour cost planning, while unions reference the data during collective bargaining negotiations.
